South Africa's flag bearer Cecil Sebastian Afrika leads the team into the arena during the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. South Africa's flag bearer Cecil Sebastian Afrika leads the team into the arena during the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Durban would be ready to “wow” the world if it got to enter the race to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, eThekwini Municipality speaker Logie Naidoo said on Thursday.
He was asked to comment on the city’s bid – and the potential R100 million price tag to host the event.
The cabinet is expected to make an announcement next week on whether Durban would get to run against Edmonton in Canada for the right to host the games.
Naidoo said that while the cabinet was still deliberating the matter, the city’s plans looked very encouraging.
“There are negotiations among eThekwini, the national and provincial governments,” he said.
“The figure (R100m) being mentioned is fairly accurate but it is merely an estimate based on comparisons with previous host cities.
“The infrastructure is there and the support given by all the major players has been unanimous.”
Naidoo described this as a golden opportunity to market the city.
“In terms of value we need to see this as an investment of marketing our city to be competitive with international cities,” he said.
“There is only one city we will be up against so it can be seen as a two-horse race. If we put our best foot forward we will be ready to wow the world.”
However, mayor James Nxumalo was cautious.
Asked to comment on Thursday, he said: “I am sorry, but we are still waiting for the cabinet to advise as they have not taken a decision yet regarding the bid go-ahead.”
If Durban’s bid is approved then there would be an anxious wait until September when the successful host city is announced.
The commercial director of Thebe Reed Exhibitions, Sugen Pillay, said the organisation was pivotal in creating a platform for all stakeholders and key partners to endorse the bid.
Pillay is confident Durban would get to compete. “It is unlikely that cabinet will refuse the bid.”
SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee board member, Mark Alexander, refused to comment stating the media should wait for next week before pre-empting the outcome.